Comedian and television personality Cyrus Broacha has sparked a massive online fitness debate with his characteristically blunt and controversial take on exercise: “Cardio makes you uglier!” Speaking on a popular podcast, Broacha suggested that Indian men should reconsider traditional long-duration cardiovascular training in favour of a routine focused on strength training and weightlifting, coupled with highly disciplined diets, citing the physiques of actors like Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) and Akshay Kumar as prime examples.

Broacha's argument is rooted in the idea that excessive cardio can lead to a depleted, gaunt appearance—a look he deems "ugly." He advocates for building muscle mass and maintaining a low body fat percentage primarily through lifting weights, arguing that this strategy yields the sculpted, robust physique often seen in Bollywood's enduring action heroes. The claim has instantly gone viral, forcing fitness enthusiasts and novices alike to question their staple morning run.

Cardio: The Misunderstood Villain in the Fitness World?

But is cardio really the "bad guy" here, or is it just fundamentally misunderstood? While Broacha’s claim is provocative, it simplifies the complex role of cardiovascular exercise in overall health and physique development.

Cardio—whether running, cycling, or swimming—is critical for cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease, improving lung capacity, and boosting endurance. For many people, skipping cardio is equivalent to neglecting the single most important component of long-term health. The concern about the "gaunt" look often arises from excessive, long-duration cardio paired with insufficient calorie intake, which can lead to muscle loss (catabolism). It’s not cardio itself that’s the issue, but the way it's done. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), for instance, offers cardiac benefits without the long, muscle-sapping sessions.

The SRK/Akshay Kumar Formula: Discipline and Defined Goals

When Broacha points to the physiques of stars like SRK and Akshay Kumar, he inadvertently highlights the one factor more important than the exercise choice: strict, unwavering discipline. These actors achieve their defined, muscular looks through a combination of tailored strength training and, crucially, extremely strict dietary regimes designed to maintain minimal body fat.

Their fitness regimen is not a simple choice between cardio and weights; it’s a highly calculated process where every meal and every workout is designed to meet a specific aesthetic goal. For the average person seeking general health, weight management, and a good physique, a blended approach is almost always the best answer. Incorporating weights builds muscle and boosts metabolism, while adding moderate cardio ensures a healthy heart. The key is balance, not blanket exclusion.

The final question remains: Would you ditch cardio for strength training? Most experts advise against it. The best fitness plan is one that combines the heart-boosting benefits of cardio with the body-sculpting power of weights—all customized to individual health goals.
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